Canadian Bank Struck by Robbers Who Cut through Wall

HAMILTON -- A determined robber broke through a brick wall from an
adjacent store to get into a bank where he robbed two armed guards at
gunpoint, police say.

The intruder escaped with "a substantial amount of money" after
ambushing and disarming the guards who had parked their armoured van in
front of the Royal Bank branch on Wednesday night.

The robber, who was still at large Thursday night, was lying in wait
when the guards - carrying a money bag - entered the building at about
10 p.m. to replenish the cash in three automatic teller machines.

The heist appeared to be well-planned because the robber knew when the
guards would be arriving with the money, Det. Sgt. Paul Downey said.

The robber took the time to cut a hole through a thick wall the bank
shares with an adjacent store, which has been vacant for several months.

After waylaying the guards in the front room, the gunman - who was
packing a 38.-calibre revolver - ordered the guards to follow him into
the main area of the bank.

He then took their money bag and apparently escaped the same way he came
in.

Police said they've recovered the guards' handguns and some coins
dropped during the heist.